Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is often gradual and may go unnoticed for a long time.
You, or someone you know may have a hearing loss if you or they have difficulty hearing in the following situations:
- when someone speaks in a whisper or at a distance
- in meetings
- listening to TV or radio
- in a restaurant
When your hearing is tested the degree (mild/moderate/severe/profound) and the type (sensorineural/conductive/mixed) of hearing loss is determined in each ear. The cause of hearing loss is not always easy to determine.
If a medical condition is causing your hearing loss the appropriate referral to an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat doctor) will be made. Most sensorineural hearing loss cannot be medically treated, but hearing aids may be recommended.
Detailed descriptions of hearing and causes of hearing loss can be found in the following websites:
Magnified images of the inner ear (hearing organ).
No hearing loss and Hearing Loss
Tinnitus
Tinnitus (ringing/noises in the ears) may also be associated with hearing loss. The many causes and treatments of tinnitus are beautifully described at the following website: ATA.ORG
Many are finding relief from tinnitus through the use of hearing aids, notch therapy and/or tinnitus sound generators. A tinnitus evaluation can help us determine the severity of your tinnitus and provide you with the opportunity to learn more about tinnitus and possible tools for management.